POA Circulars

111 | 22.11.2016

SMALL CLAIMS, ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND COMPENSATION

Although not surprising, it is now clear that the Government are going ahead with the proposals to increase small claims to £5,000.

In addition, they have also confirmed that this new lower level is to extend to all Personal Injury/Accident claims including workplace injuries.

This change in Government Policy had not been clear previously.

The Executive and our Solicitors Thompsons, has been challenging and campaigning against these proposals for some time on behalf of the POA members. (See attached press release)

This change if introduced, will make it almost impossible for workers to access justice and receive compensation as a result of an injury or illness during the course of their employment. Approximately 80% of current PI claims fall below this new minimum threshold.

The actions of this Government are despicable and it is clear that they are simply pandering to big business and insurance companies.

The POA and the trade union movement cannot stand by and allow another attack on worker’s rights to go ahead.

The Executive ask all members to contact their MP and ask them whether they will oppose these proposals at every stage. Furthermore, the Executive ask those members who have received compensation of less than £5,000 following a successful claim to ask their MP, why under these proposals they will not receive fair and just compensation?

Please draw the contents of this circular to all members and urge them to contact their MP. If any member needs assistance in obtaining details of your MP these can be found on the POA website and Government website at http://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/mps/

Thanking you in anticipation of your support and co-operation on this critical issue.

The POA is the largest union in the United Kingdom representing Uniformed Prison Grades and staff working within the field of Secure Forensic Psychiatric Care, with over 35 thousand members in the public and private sectors.